Feb. 23, 2013

Discussion continues about the city of Fort Collins’ control over the proposed Colorado State University on-campus stadium. Save Our Stadium Hughes, or SOSH, yard signs stand silent vigil against abandonment of that landmark structure.

The thought of Hughes Stadium brings some great memories of past sports events, or of its inaugural music shows featuring the Beach Boys that Sunday, July 6, 1975; Elton John and the Rolling Stones that Saturday, July 19, 1975; and Bob Dylan on Sunday, May 23, 1976 (Songkick.com). Those would be indelible memories evoking loyalty to an old friend.

Also, the thought of walking away from a usable structure to raises the question of fiscal responsibility, even if the funds are donated. Clearly stating the assumptions underlying construction and operation financial projections could allay such concerns.

The question arises as to whether the city has jurisdiction over CSU property. Since much of the campus lies within the city limits, why is there no Planning and Zoning Board review process for significant university development projects? Actually, Colorado Revised Statute 23-313-103 gives the Colorado State Board of Governors plenary control over programs and property — with no city jurisdiction over permitting.

However, the city has legitimate influence in such things as air pollution, traffic, noise pollution and neighborhood parking impact for a 40,000-plus seat stadium. The council should restrict event parking from non-university neighborhoods. Though it does not have control over actual construction permitting, the council should ensure that city tax funds are not used in construction or operations.